Linda Bassett, known for her role as Phyllis Crane in , is set to return for the 14th season of the beloved period drama.
The show is due to air on Sunday, January 5, at 8pm on One and iPlayer, with all the familiar faces expected to grace the new episodes.
Nurse Phyllis Crane is a character who may seem stern but hides a heart of gold beneath her tough exterior. But what do we know about the actor who plays here? Here’s more about the life of Linda Bassett both on and off-screen.
Early life and career
Linda, now 74, was born in Pluckley, Kent, in 1950, to a typist mother and a police officer father. She began her career working as an usher at the Old Vic Theatre while still in school, before studying English at the University of Leeds.
However, she left university after a year to join a local drama group that performed at community centres and schools. Linda made her stage debut at 32 and has since appeared in popular TV shows such as Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders, East is East and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Linda’s impressive acting credits include a role in the BBC adaption of Lark Rise To Candleford (Image: BBC)
Film roles
The Call the Midwife star has also ventured into film, featuring in the iconic comedy-drama Calendar Girls alongside legends like Celia Imrie, Julie Walters and Helen Mirren.
In a candid 2003 interview with Phase 9, shortly after the release of the movie, actress Walters opened up about her experience filming nude scenes and lauded her colleague Bassett for her support.
Walters remarked: “Yes, it was completely natural. There was no recreation needed! Everyone was so supportive and I had Linda Bassett standing next to me, who helped. And it was my best side”, adding a touch of humour as she recalled posing for the nude shot which was taken from behind.
Linda starred in the comedy-drama Calendar Girls in 2003 alongside Julie Walters (Image: TOUCHSTONE PICTURES)
Call the Midwife fame
On the drama Call the Midwife, Linda Bassett, who became known as Nurse Crane since the fourth season, initially joined the cast as a temporary replacement for Sister Evangelina, portrayed by Pam Ferris. However, Bassett’s character quickly garnered immense popularity among viewers, leading to her permanent stay on the series.
Bassett has spoken about the affectionate recognition she receives in public, saying: “You can only react to that kind of thing with warmth. Even though I am a little bit baffled as to why Nurse Crane is loved! But it’s so kind of them.”
Linda’s character has received a warm reception from fans (Image: BBC/Neal Street Productions)
Marriage and family tragedy
Tragically, in 2018, Bassett’s family was devastated when her nephew Dominic, a university lecturer aged 41, was fatally injured by a drug driver while on his motorbike. After sustaining severe brain, neck, and spinal injuries, he spent over a week on life support before his family faced the heart-wrenching decision to turn it off.
The actor, who was present at the court hearing, revealed that her nephew and his wife “were full of plans for the future” with their child and were eagerly awaiting their first Christmas in their new home.
She added: “He went on his bike because the train journey was longer and he wanted to be home each night in time for Harvey’s bath”
Linda was once married to journalist Julian Foster. The couple lived together in London before they decided to part ways, ending their decade-long marriage. Neither have publically discussed the reason for their break-up, and it’s uncertain whether Linda is currently involved with anyone or has been since the split.